About roosters

[ramac]

I feel so bad for the poor rooster. I keep him separate from the seven hens I have left. He's free range for part of the day and then they are free range. Never together. I stopped letting him run the group because; and maybe I am being paranoid, every time I have a rooster I lose hens. Further, his nature is rough on them. I am not interested in hatching eggs, and the girls are a lot calmer. He seems to be crowing less. He just looks sad and it kills me but what can I do. Nobody, and I mean nobody wants roosters (to a good home). My question is what might happen. His excitement has diminished. Has anybody been through this and what was your experience?

 

[TheOddOneOut]

Poor guy.
So wait, I'm not sure if I understand. Are you worried he will hurt the hens, or that he won't protect them from predators?
If you are worried he will hurt them, you can clip his spurs, and get the hens saddles so there is no feather loss.
I would recommend to put him back with the hens, but do take some of the precautions to ensure he does not hurt the hens.

 

[50-45-1]

If he is "rough on your hens" i believe the life you are giving him is not so bad.
Certinaly it could be much worse.
If i were you though, i might just let him loose with the girls once every 6 months or so and see if his attitude and technique has improved. Some young roosters can be jerks and mature to be better behaved.
Dont beat yourself up. I think you have definately done the right thing for your flock and yourself.
I am not sure why you would loose more hens when he is ranging with them unless he takes them farther out in the bush where is is not safe. I have also had this happen.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

If he is "rough on your hens" i believe the life you are giving him is not so bad.
Certinaly it could be much worse.
If i were you though, i might just let him loose with the girls once every 6 months or so and see if his attitude and technique has improved. Some young roosters can be jerks and mature to be better behaved.
Dont beat yourself up. I think you have definately done the right thing for your flock and yourself.
I am not sure why you would loose more hens when he is ranging with them unless he takes them farther out in the bush where is is not safe. I have also had this happen.

It isn't a great life if he is miserable. But I do get that roosters can be jerks sometimes. However, the thread starter did not specify what exactly they were worried about.